Europe External Programme with Africa is a Belgium-based Centre of Expertise with in-depth knowledge, publications, and networks, specialised in issues of peacebuilding, refugee protection, and resilience in the Horn of Africa. EEPA has published extensively on issues related to the movement and/or human trafficking of refugees in the Horn of Africa and on the Central Mediterranean Route. It cooperates with a wide network of universities, research organisations, civil society, and experts from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and across Africa. The Situation Reports can be found here. To receive the situation report in your e-mail, click here. You can unsubscribe at any moment through the link at the bottom of each e-mail.
Situation in Sudan (per 25 November)
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reportedly attacked the Sayyal Market in El Geteina Locality, White Nile State, resulting in four deaths and six injuries, while also engaging in looting and forcing residents to flee. The market was one of the few still operational in the area.
- The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) recaptured Sinja city, the capital of Sennar State, after nearly five months of RSF control, marking a significant setback for the RSF in east-central Sudan.
- The SAF reportedly faced minimal resistance during their advance, and the recapture has sparked celebrations among local population and internally displaced people (IDPs), who welcomed this turning point after facing violence and human rights abuses under the RSF control.
- The World Food Programme (WFP) announced an increase of its operations in Sudan, dispatching over 700 trucks loaded with 17,500 tonnes of emergency food aid to address severe food insecurity in conflict-affected areas. This effort aims to provide assistance to 1.5 million people in the coming month.
- The first WFP convoy successfully delivered food to Zamzam camp, North Darfur.
- RSF have been engaging in systematic violence against women and girls in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state, particularly following the defection of a senior RSF commander to SAF in October, said women’s rights activists.
- At least seven people were killed and many others injured after the RSF shelled the Abushok displacement camp in El Fasher, North Darfur, on Saturday.
- The camp, which is home to around 400,000 IDPs, has seen over 60% of its residents flee to nearby areas due to a series of RSF attacks.
Situation in South Sudan (per 25 November)
- Heavy gunfire erupted in Juba, South Sudan, on Thursday as the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) attempted to transfer former spy chief General Akol Koor Kuc from Thongpiny neighborhood to Jebel area, leading to clashes with his guards. Kuc has been under house arrest since October.
- Four people reportedly died and two others were injured as a result of the gunfire.
- Kuc was transported to the Jebel area on Friday, after a letter with the order to vacate his house in Thongpiny was delivered to him on behalf of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit. President Kiir further ordered 150 soldiers to guard the Jebel residence and confiscation of Kuc’s mobile phones.
- South Sudan faces an acute malnutrition crisis, with an estimated 2 million children and 1 million pregnant or lactating mothers being at risk due to inadequate access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and the spread of diseases.
- According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report, nearly 8 million of the country’s 12 million residents are expected to face acute food insecurity during the upcoming 2025 lean season, which starts in April.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 25 November)
- The Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) suspended the licenses of two human rights organizations, the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), citing political bias and activities contrary to national interest.
- CARD announced the suspension in a statement, asserting that the ACSO did not follow proper legal procedures and failed to notify them prior to the suspension.
- Sixteen individuals from the Darra district, Oromia, have been arrested by government forces after voicing their concerns to the media about ongoing violence and recent civilian deaths allegedly caused by the Fano militia.
- A rehabilitation plan for the Aksum Obelisk site in Tigray has been launched with the initial study phase expected to last three months, followed by a nine-month rehabilitation process. About 15 million birr has been allocated for this initiative, said Atsbha Gebreegziabher, head of the Tigray Tourism Bureau.
Regional Situation (per 25 November)
- Thousands of Eritrean and Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia’s Amhara region are calling for relocation from unsafe camps, where they face daily attacks and lack basic services amid the ongoing conflict between Ethiopian federal government and Fano militia.
- Refugees repeatedly face robberies, assaults, kidnappings, and even killings, with reports indicating at least nine deaths at Alemwach camp alone.
- Ethiopian authorities that are detaining Eritrean refugees in various centers across Addis Ababa are reportedly requesting high fees for their release and the penalty for overstayed visas which has been raised from 3 to 10 USD a day.
- Some Eritreans have been staying for 3,5 years, which brings the total of the fine to about 12,000 USD per person. Authorities reportedly agreed to release detainees for a downpayment of 2,000 USD per person but they cannot leave Ethiopia without settling the rest of the fine.
- Detained Eritreans stated that they applied for asylum 3 years ago, however they were told the Ethiopian authorities have stopped accepting Eritrean refugees due to the peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia.
- SAF urged the South Sudanese government to prevent RSF fighters from crossing the border after their retreat from Sinja, in Sudan’s Sennar state.
International Situation (per 25 November)
- There is a lack of “political appetite” among the Sudan’ s warring factions to resolve the ongoing conflict, said the US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, following his recent visit to the country.
- US Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sara Jacobs are attempting to block a $1.2 billion US arms deal with the UAE, citing concerns that it would lead to supplying weapons to Sudan’s RSF and further exacerbating the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Links of interest
RSF attack market in White Nile
Sudan army regains control of Sinja
WFP scales up operations to reach millions in Sudan
Sudan in danger of becoming a failed state, aid chief warns
RSF accused of “systematic” violence against women in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah
Seven killed in shelling of North Darfur camp
Heavy gunfire erupts in South Sudan capital Juba
Kiir deploys 150 soldiers on red alert to Akol’s Jebel home, confiscates phones
Over 2 million children in South Sudan at risk of acute malnutrition
Authority suspends licenses for two rights organizations
Sixteen detained in Oromia’s Darra district after media statements on violence and civilian killings
Refugees in Ethiopia’s Amhara region continue to face almost daily attacks
Sudanese army urges South Sudan to block fleeing RSF fighters
US Envoy: No political will to end Sudan’s war
US politicians aim to block UAE arms deal over Sudan links
Disclaimer: All information in this Situation Report is presented as a fluid update report, as to the best knowledge and understanding of the authors at the moment of publication. EEPA does not claim that the information is correct but verifies to the best of ability within the circumstances. Publication is weighed on the basis of interest to understand potential impacts of events (or perceptions of these) on the situation. Check all information against updates and other media. EEPA does not take responsibility for the use of the information or impact thereof. All information reported originates from third parties and the content of all reported and linked information remains the sole responsibility of these third parties. Report to info@eepa.be any additional information and corrections.